The Summit Country Day varsity girls soccer team has made school history; the players are the first state champions since Summit's girls soccer program was moved to OHSAA Division II. It was a picture perfect fall day at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, and the Silver Knights capped it joyously with a 1-0 win.
Pitted against Rocky River Pirates on November 10, 2023, Summit was fast, fierce and fearless. The Pirates were a worthy opponent, and some would say the favorite going into the match. Undefeated this season, the team averaged more than six goals per game.
By halftime, forward Zoe Jackson ’26 had scored the only goal of the game off a corner kick by Avery Smythe ’24. One goal was all the Silver Knights needed as the Pirates were shut out by our defense. Goal keeper Maddie Mescher ’25 made three saves.
Buoyed by an enthusiastic and loud crowd of students, teachers and parents, the Summit team was relentless in charging the ball. In spite of going into the championship game with a perfect season, the Pirates admitted they were outmatched.
“I think they were the fastest team we’ve played yet and physical,” Pirates captain Ava Patti told the Morning Journal. She went on to praise Summit's ability to disrupt their rhythm and control the game, adding, “They were just so suffocating.”
Summit went 20-1-3 for the season and had 15 shutouts. This was the fourth state championship for the girls soccer program; previous wins in 2017, 2015 and 2011 were achieved in Division III.
Coach Mike Fee has never lost a championship game. He says he is proud of how the girls successfully competed against much larger schools, putting their whole heart and hard work into the season.
On the field congratulating the players, Athletic Director Greg Dennis said simply, “This feeling never gets old.”
The Summit community will celebrate the return of its state champions on Monday, November 13, at an all school spirit tunnel and assembly.